09/11/2026
25 years ago - As a freshman in high school, sitting in Earth Science, class let out and one of my friends passed me quick in the hall saying something about a tower. I didn't hear her and nor get the message. I went to our Technical drawing class and watched the news the whole time on what was happening.
At the time, I didn't know the full value of what was happening. I didn't understand what the Towers meant to our economy and world relations. I found out later the full extent of what would be a reaction to this attack.
I was more concerned for the families of those involved. The parents, siblings, friends and more that were lost. The cars that sat in park & ride lots to never be drove home again. The dust settling over the city that never sleeps. And the number of lives lost trying to save those in the rumble. The search & rescue dogs called in to find the people. The firemen who went in without thinking.
As a teen, I was able to visit with one of the firehouses that responded to the collapse. The remaining people told us their stories. We thanked them, I bought one of their shirts in support of their hard work. I've been to Ground Zero before they put up the memorial. I haven't seen it lately.
But I have seen some of the parts that they have sent around the country for other memorials across the states.
And the message is the same: All lives mattered that day, in support of the people of our country. No matter their part in the recovery efforts. Those that died in it, on the planes, in the rescue, from complications years later, the troops sent overseas, and the support networks across the country. ALL LIVES MATTERED and we came together as One Nation.
9/11 was awful. As a Xennial, I have seen a lot in my young years. This was traumatic and scary, but we learned perseverance. We are here and we are not going anywhere without a fight.
Hold your families close, cherish the loved ones you have at home and in your life. Tomorrow is another day but it is never guaranteed. Love the day as it is the best you can, because life is short and we only get one.
Love to you all and I certainly held my kids this morning before school.
